A 16-YEAR-OLD is seriously injured in hospital following a suspected stabbing at a pub.

Police confirmed that three people were taken to hospital following an alleged altercation at the Coach and Horses pub on Durham Road, Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, on Wednesday night.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At about 7.40pm last night police received a report of disorder at the Coach and Horses pub, on Durham Road, in Birtley.

“It was reported that an altercation had taken place and that two had sustained injuries consistent with a stabbing.

“A 16-year-old had suffered serious injuries while a 42-year-old sustained a minor leg injury.

“A third man, aged 26, was also reported to have been injured but his injuries are not consistent with a stabbing.”

Emergency services attended and all three males were taken to hospital, however, none of them are believed to be in a life-threatening condition at this time.

A post on the Coach and Horses pub Facebook page said: “Just to let everyone know,everyone within Coach and Horses are totally fine.

“Unfortunately there has been an incident in the car park but not on the premises.

“With all the speculations no one has died but unfortunately there is two people injured and being treated. Thank you for all messages much appreciated.”

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 7.40pm to reports of an incident in Leybourne Hold, Birtley.

“We dispatched three double-crewed ambulances, a rapid response paramedic, two crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team, the MERIT car and an officer. Two patients were transported to the RVI and one patient was transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.”

The police spokesman added: “The 42-year-old and 26-year-old men have since been released from hospital and arrested by police.

“They remain in custody this morning and police inquiries into the disorder are continuing today.

“Officers will be in the area to carry out inquiries and to reassure any concerned residents in the Birtley area as there was a large police presence in the area last night."

Anyone who saw the assault, or has information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log 968 16/01/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.